US20140065921A1 - Toys with a track adaptor and shells for a portable electronic device - Google Patents
Toys with a track adaptor and shells for a portable electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140065921A1 US20140065921A1 US13/842,327 US201313842327A US2014065921A1 US 20140065921 A1 US20140065921 A1 US 20140065921A1 US 201313842327 A US201313842327 A US 201313842327A US 2014065921 A1 US2014065921 A1 US 2014065921A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- track
- receiving
- toy
- universal
- recited
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H19/00—Model railways
- A63H19/16—Parts for model railway vehicles
- A63H19/22—Wheels; Wheel axles; Bogies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H19/00—Model railways
- A63H19/15—Special types of cars
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H19/00—Model railways
- A63H19/16—Parts for model railway vehicles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H2200/00—Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
Abstract
A universal track adaptor system having a shell including a portable device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding a portable electronic device, said shell further including a track facing surface, a plurality of track receiving guides which can be adapted to interface with a plurality of different sized tracks, as permitted by a specific range of motion.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/601,977, entitled “SHELL FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A TRACK ADAPTOR” filed Aug. 31, 2012 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of Invention
- The present invention relates to toys and track adaptors for interfacing toys with tracks or track like mechanisms of various sizes found in any play environment, and a shell for a portable electronic device with an integrated track adaptor capable of adapting a portable electronic device into a toy that can be used on tracks of various sizes.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Many children, even a toddler like one of the inventors, are capable of creating fantasy worlds and entertaining themselves by taking a toy (like a train) and using their imagination to weave in other elements available in their immediate environment, and their imagination. For example, a child may take a toy train and the track from a sliding door, and make believe the train wheels fit and interface along the track of the sliding door. Similarly, the child may run the toy train along a metal stair banister, etc. It would be unusual for the wheel configuration of the toy train to match some element of the available environment, although play would be enhanced if this were the case.
- A universal track adaptor system having a shell including a portable electronic device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding a portable electronic device, the shell further including a track facing surface, a plurality of wheels including a first wheel and a second wheel, a first track adaptor rotatably coupling the first wheel and the second wheel to the track facing surface. The first track adaptor has a specific range of motion and an adaptive mechanism operable to adjust a specific width between the first wheel and the second wheel through the specific range of motion. In this way the first wheel and the second wheel can be adapted to interface with a plurality of different sized tracks, as permitted by the specific range of motion.
- These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows a universal track adaptor system for receiving the illustrated portable electronic device, the portable electronic device executing an application which enhances or facilitates play; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the universal track adaptor system according to one embodiment, the wheels or track interface mechanism folded or retracted; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the universal track adaptor system according to another embodiment, the wheels or track interface mechanism unfolded or extended; -
FIG. 4 is a pictorial illustration of the underside of a universal track system with shell for portable electronic device; and -
FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration of a universal track adaptor system adjusted to interface with a track; -
FIG. 6 shows a universal track adaptor adjusted to engage with a simulated monorail such as a stair banister. -
FIG. 7 shows a child playing with a universal track adaptor system configured as a toy for interfacing with tracks from a sliding door system; -
FIG. 8 shows a toy train with integrated track adapting system, and a text box; -
FIG. 9 shows a toy train with integrated track adapting system, and a text box; -
FIG. 10 shows a pictorial illustration of a universal track adaptor system that can extend its height on at least one side to serve various purposes such as a stand for a portable electronic device; -
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method for enhanced play with a software application simulating a desired toy or effect as the electronic device is coupled with a universal track engagement system -
FIG. 12 shows a pictorial illustration of a universal track adaptor system in accordance with another embodiment. - The present invention contemplates a variety of systems, devices, methods and paradigms for engaging with a play environment, as well as more utilitarian functionalities including effective mechanisms for making use of portable electronic devices.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a universaltrack adaptor system 100 for receiving a portableelectronic device 50. Thetrack adaptor system 100 includes ashell 110 with a portabledevice receiving surface 112 arranged for receiving and detachably holding the portableelectronic device 50. - As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the
shell 110 is designed to provide protection, perhaps by absorbing mechanical energy, to the portableelectronic device 50 when properly utilized. The design of theshell 110 inFIG. 1 provides that thereceiving surface 112 allows for a snug fit of theelectronic device 50, making thedevice 50 removable, but relatively secure within the shell. Theshell 110 may be designed to include through holes, mechanical and/or electrical buttons, switches, and/or interface elements that allow theshell 110 to cover and protect yet enable utilization of the various functionality of theelectronic device 50. - The embodiment of
FIG. 1 includes wheels 114-120 (or other engagement and/or interface mechanism), shown in a folded in position where wheels 114-120 are substantially in the plane of thetrack facing surface 112. Other track interface components (e.g., a ski or such) can be used instead of the wheels. In this embodiment, the wheels substantially within theshell 110 so that they are flush externally on a track facing surface, not shown. - A
display screen 52 of the portableelectronic device 50 shows atrain 54 or other suitable image to enhance play with thesystem 100.FIG. 1 illustrates a simple train image like one might readily find in any of a plurality of readily available mobile device applications, which applications usually come with sound and/or other features that can be utilized to enhance play and facilitate simulation and/or fantasy. The present invention further contemplates a more customized mobile application which provides a display view that might correspond to what a child or user might expect to see given the orientation of the mobile device, the type of tracks the device is engaged with, the specific toy the child wishes to simulate, etc. -
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the universaltrack adaptor system 100, such assystem 100 ofFIG. 1 . In the view ofFIG. 2 , the wheels 114-120 are substantially not visible because they are retracted or folded to be “inside” of theshell 110. As will be appreciated, the wheels could be folded to be substantially parallel with the shell, and in some embodiment be substantially within theshell 110 and/or interior to theshell 110. In other embodiments the wheels may not be retractable or unfoldable, but rather fixed in place, or removable. -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of the universaltrack adaptor system 100 with the wheels extended. Note that the wheels could fold in either direction as instantiated, or could otherwise retract or collapse into theshell 110.FIG. 3 further shows anoptional wing component 300. Thewing component 300 could fold out for use during play, and then a proper software application on the mobile device could be executed to simulate an airplane. In other embodiments, the shell could couple with the electronic device in such a way that the electronic device could sense what combination of wheels and wings are extended, and the mobile software application could respond accordingly. However, even without coupling, most mobile devices have motion sensors, and this motion information could be tracked and suitable audio, video, and/or haptic information and/or feedback could be generated via the portableelectronic device 50. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an underside of a universaltrack adaptor system 100 showing thetrack facing surface 112, and wheels 114-120 in an unfolded or retracted position. The universaltrack adaptor system 100 includes at least one control wheel orcontrol device 130 operable to adjust a width of separation of pairs of wheels, thecontrol device 130 acting on anadaptive mechanism 124 which is coupled and can adjust the relevant wheel pair along anaxis 126. Theaxis 126 could simply be abstract for in use in the present discussion, or may literally be a physical component of the universaltrack adaptor system 100 to which the wheels are physically attached. - As will be appreciated, a variety of combinations of control devices and/or adaptive mechanisms could be utilized to accomplish the desired effect of adjusting the width between wheels in pairs. The separate pairs of wheels could adjust separation width independently (e.g., each pair has an independent adjustment mechanism). In some cases, only one wheel pair, or even one wheel may be adjustable. As will be appreciated, the adjustment mechanism could adjust wheels in many degrees of motion, so disposition of the wheels could extend further or close in with regards to the
shell 110, or change orientation, and/or a combination of all degrees of motion, in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the wheels are permanently fixed in an extended position, or perhaps removable to allow for more convenient use of the shell with respect to operation of the portableelectronic device 50. - Returning to
FIG. 4 , anoptional button 132 or other suitable mechanism can engage directly or via a locking mechanism, holding any combination of wheels in place depending on the desired application. There may be one ormore buttons 132, with different locking functions (height extension, width separation, etc.) depending on the desired implementation. In one particular embodiment, the device has a single button mechanism which locks the wheels in place along all available degrees of motion. - Alternatively, wheels may substantially hold in place, being moved by the
mechanism 130/124, otherwise locked, so no “manual” locking system is necessary. In another embodiment, the adjusting mechanism is simply built in and the adjustment is made by directly manipulating the wheels, e.g., the child can push the wheels together and likewise pull them apart. In this case there may or may not be a locking mechanism. It could be that when locked the wheel separation width is not adjustable, and when unlocked, the wheels are loose and readily adjustable. A clamp or other suitable device can accomplish this purpose. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a toy universaltrack engaging system 200 adjusted to fit the sliders or rails of a sliding door system such as found in sliding glass door system of a home or shower.FIG. 6 illustrates a toy universaltrack engaging system 220 adjusted to interface along a cylindrical stair banister, simulating a monorail. As will be appreciated, by “interface” the Applicant means having the wheels or other engagement mechanism(s) interacting with the track or track like mechanism found in the play environment. Whenever the term track is used herein, this could mean any available element from the play environment that can be used to simulate or create a track or sliding experience, often involving some kind of path defined by the track. Interfacing could mean width adjusting so that the wheels operate on the track similar to the operation of train wheels on a track, however a variety of ways could be accomplished, The wheels could be coupled via friction and pressure to a side of a table top so the device could run on it side, etc. -
FIG. 7 illustrates achild 600 playing with atoy train 601 including an integrated universaltrack engaging system 602, thesystem 602 adjusted for operation with a sliding track or mechanism of a sliding door system. Thistoy train 601 may further include a mounting device to receive a portable electronic device, which may be operated as described herein to enhance play and facilitate simulation. -
FIG. 8 illustrates atoy train 700 with an integrated universaltrack engaging system 702, and atext window 704. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7 , rather then detachably coupling a universal track engaging system with a toy or portable electronic device, thetrack engaging system 702 is built into thetoy train 700, and can be implemented in any variety of ways including those described above. Thetext window 704 presents text relevant to the toy and in some embodiments serves an educational purpose by providing a text related to the width or disposition of the wheels or track interface of thetoy train 700.FIG. 8 illustrates thetoy train 700 with German language text “Der Zug” whileFIG. 9 illustrates the toy train with English text “train.” Thetext window 704 could be controlled mechanically, or could be a receiving window for the portable electronic device with the display screen visible and providing play enhancing or educational material. -
FIG. 10 illustrates another universaltrack adaptor system 900 where one or more wheels, typically apair 902, are extendably attached to the universaltrack adaptor system 900. Thiswheel pair 900 can be extended and locked in place to operate as stand for a portable electronic device, in embodiments where theuniversal track adaptor 900 includes a shell for a portable electronic device. The extension can also enhance play, simulating a dump truck or other toy, and the play can be further enhanced by an application running on the portable electronic device that could generate relevant audio and video. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a method for playing with an electronic device running a toy simulation application and a universal track engagement system. In the start step, any initiation activities can be taken such in preparation, which might include installing a suitable software application in the mobile device. At 952 activity(ies) involves attaching or inserting the portable mobile device, such as an iPhone or Android device, into the universal track adaptor system. Note that in some embodiments, the device may be more fixedly connected then the snap in version with snug fit described above. - At 954, activity involves adjusting the system to engage with some rail-like element found in the immediate play environment, and interfacing the system with that rail-like element. At 956, the software application is executed and the child can play with the toy, attached to a rail-like device, with suitable feedback and controls provided by the electronic device.
-
FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of the back or bottom side of a universaltrack adapting system 1000 in accordance with another embodiment. Theexample system 1000 includes a back or bottom side of a smart device or smart deviceprotective shell 1002. Integrated or adapted to theshell 1002 are one or more track receiving guides 1004. The track receiving guides 1004 can take any suitable form such as a depression molded into the shell, a cavity carved into the shell, or an attachment which can receive and/or couple to a rail (e.g., a rail, track, guide, or other device or stand in acting as such) external to thesystem 1000 and available in the area for play or use. - The receiving guides 1004 can be of fixed or set width, or can be movable to expand or shrink as desired to mate with the rail. Any suitable mechanism for enabling motion or operation of each
guide 1004 is acceptable. The receiving guides 1004 can also be of fixed distance with respect to one another, or can be movable individually or together to likewise adapt to the available rails. - Any of the above embodiments can include sensors for sensing the environment, and/or electronics for interfacing with another electronic device, for controlling mechanical or electrical operation or feedback devices, or transmitting information, or such.
- In addition to the above mentioned examples, various other modifications and alterations of the invention may be made without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure is not to be considered as limiting and the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the true spirit and the entire scope of the invention.
Claims (14)
1. A universal track adaptor system, said universal track adaptor system comprising:
a shell including a portable device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably securing a portable electronic device, said shell further including a track facing surface; and
at least one receiving guide suitable for engaging with a rail, track or other available device, the at least one receiving guide integrated in, coupled or adapted to the track facing surface.
2. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 1 , wherein said at least one receiving guide is one of a pair of linear receiving guides.
3. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 2 , further comprising a first mechanism for adjusting relative width separating the linear receiving guides.
4. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 3 , further comprising second and/or third mechanisms for adjusting size of each of the pair of linear receiving guides.
5. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising
at least one sensor;
electronics for coupling the at least one sensor to the portable electronic device; and
a feedback mechanism for providing at least one of audio, video or haptic feedback, in response to the at least one sensor and/or the portable electronic device.
6. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 5 , wherein the at least one sensor is an accelerometer.
7. A universal track adaptor system for interfacing a toy with a plurality of different sized tracks, said universal track adaptor system comprising:
a base including a toy receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding said toy, said base further including a track facing surface;
a plurality of track receiving guides integrated into the track facing surface;
one or more size adjusting mechanisms for adjusting a size and/or shape of each of the plurality of track receiving guides; and
one or more location adjusting mechanisms for adjusting positions of the plurality of track receiving guides relative to each other.
8. A toy train with integral track adaptor system comprising:
a train module;
a base coupled to the train module, said base further including a track facing surface;
a plurality of track receiving guides integrated into the track facing surface;
one or more size adjusting mechanisms for adjusting a size and/or shape of each of the plurality of track receiving guides; and
one or more location adjusting mechanisms for adjusting positions of the plurality of track receiving guides relative to each other.
9. A method for interfacing a toy with a plurality of different sized tracks, the method comprising:
coupling said toy to a base via a toy receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding said toy
coupling a track facing surface of said base to a track via a plurality of track receiving guides integrated into the track facing surface;
adjusting a size and/or shape of each of the plurality of track receiving guides, and adjusting positions of the plurality of track receiving guides relative to each other, such that said toy is engaged with the track via the base.
10. A method as recited in claim 10 , further comprising:
sensing motion of said toy; and
providing feedback based on said motion.
11. A method as recited in claim 10 , wherein said toy is embodied on a portable computing device with a display screen as an application executing on the portable computing device.
12. A method as recited in claim 11 , wherein said sensing is accomplished via one or more sensors present on said portable computing device.
13. A method as recited in claim 12 , wherein said feedback is provided via said portable computing device.
14. A universal track adaptor system characterized in that the system includes a portable device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding a portable electronic device, said system further including a track facing surface having a plurality of track receiving guides which can be adapted to interface with a plurality of different sized and/or shaped tracks or track equivalents.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/842,327 US20140065921A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2013-03-15 | Toys with a track adaptor and shells for a portable electronic device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/601,977 US20140065920A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2012-08-31 | Shell for a portable electronic device with a track adaptor |
US13/842,327 US20140065921A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2013-03-15 | Toys with a track adaptor and shells for a portable electronic device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/601,977 Continuation US20140065920A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2012-08-31 | Shell for a portable electronic device with a track adaptor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140065921A1 true US20140065921A1 (en) | 2014-03-06 |
Family
ID=50188175
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/601,977 Abandoned US20140065920A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2012-08-31 | Shell for a portable electronic device with a track adaptor |
US13/842,327 Abandoned US20140065921A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2013-03-15 | Toys with a track adaptor and shells for a portable electronic device |
US15/431,656 Abandoned US20170151505A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2017-02-13 | Shell for a portable electronic device with a track adaptor |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/601,977 Abandoned US20140065920A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2012-08-31 | Shell for a portable electronic device with a track adaptor |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/431,656 Abandoned US20170151505A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2017-02-13 | Shell for a portable electronic device with a track adaptor |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US20140065920A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4393620A (en) * | 1981-07-31 | 1983-07-19 | Takara Co., Ltd. | Rocket train toy assembly |
US5513863A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1996-05-07 | Klamer; Reuben B. | Integral multi-function roller skate system |
US20120139727A1 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2012-06-07 | Physical Apps, Llc | Physical interaction device for personal electronics and method for use |
US20120208429A1 (en) * | 2011-02-16 | 2012-08-16 | Spin Master Ltd. | Suspension module for a toy vehicle |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1849877A (en) * | 1929-07-24 | 1932-03-15 | Metalcraft Corp | Structural toy |
US3438145A (en) * | 1967-01-10 | 1969-04-15 | Child Guidance Toys Inc | Toy railroad track assembly |
US4718875A (en) * | 1986-07-03 | 1988-01-12 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy vehicle with foldable wheels |
US9053098B2 (en) * | 2010-01-14 | 2015-06-09 | Abbyy Development Llc | Insertion of translation in displayed text consisting of grammatical variations pertaining to gender, number and tense |
US8477931B2 (en) * | 2011-04-29 | 2013-07-02 | Hunter S. Thompson | Case for electronic device with surface for attaching building elements |
-
2012
- 2012-08-31 US US13/601,977 patent/US20140065920A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-03-15 US US13/842,327 patent/US20140065921A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-02-13 US US15/431,656 patent/US20170151505A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4393620A (en) * | 1981-07-31 | 1983-07-19 | Takara Co., Ltd. | Rocket train toy assembly |
US5513863A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1996-05-07 | Klamer; Reuben B. | Integral multi-function roller skate system |
US20120208429A1 (en) * | 2011-02-16 | 2012-08-16 | Spin Master Ltd. | Suspension module for a toy vehicle |
US20120139727A1 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2012-06-07 | Physical Apps, Llc | Physical interaction device for personal electronics and method for use |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20140065920A1 (en) | 2014-03-06 |
US20170151505A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |